Movie Memories

The old movie theater in Punta Gorda was originally located in the downtown area on Marion Avenue. In its heyday the theater could seat about 300 people. In the late 1920s it was sold to Fred House who did some renovations to accommodate the “talkies” that arrived in late 1929.

In 1936 L.V. Desguin bought the theater and made many improvements inside and out. A new marquis gave the theater the name “New Theatre”. Refreshments and a new popcorn machine were managed by Desguin’s son Victor (Vic) who went into partnership with his cousin Freddie Mullen. Admission to see a movie was 9 cents for children and 35 cents for adults.

During the segregation years Desguin opened an additional theater for African-Americans at the corner of Charlotte Avenue and Milus Street in East Punta Gorda. Young Vic and Freddie would bicycle the reels from the New Theatre to the east side theater after films were shown downtown.

The balcony in the New Theatre was for smoking and adults only. Frequently occupied by boys and girls interested in necking and smoking rather than watching the movie, young Vic would occasionally interrupt them, as did some fathers looking for their daughters.

In 1958 L.V. and son Vic Desguin purchased a Charlotte Harbor drive-in theater. After that the New Theatre began to phase out and closed in late 1962. In 1964 fire destroyed the building that was being used for storage at the time.

Original Mural: This mural was originally painted by John Gutcher and sponsored by the Desquin Family. This mural was destroyed by Hurricane “Charley” on August 13, 2004.

Recreation: This mural was recreated by Michael Vires at its new location at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center in December 2008 and again sponsored by the Desquin Family. It was re-dedicated on February 26, 2009.